The Net Libram - of - Random Magical Effects - version 1.20 - FAQ

Oct 5, 2026

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The Net Libram of Random Magical Effects (version 1.20) compiles Wild Surge mechanics and guidance for Wild Mages in tabletop campaigns. It explains why surges occur, how the intended spell may be overridden, and how Reckless Dweomer can be controlled using level-based probabilities. The FAQ also covers whether conventional mages can trigger surges, what options exist after being hit (including dispelling assumptions), saving throw considerations, and how to handle nonsensical or secretive outcomes to preserve mystery and danger. It concludes with how the table is organized into caster/allies, target/allies, and nearby-area effects.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryComic

FormatPDF

Pages84

Reading Time32 min

AccessFree to download

Why do Wild Surges happen?

What happened to the spell I tried to cast?

Does the Reckless Dweomer still work?

Can conventional mages cause Wild Surges?

What can I do if I’m hit by a Surge?

Do I get a Saving Throw?

Some of these are cool, but some are just downright silly. What gives?

What about Surges that just don’t make sense?

How’s it laid out?

The Net Libram of Random Magical Effects version 1.20 By Orrex Here it is! A table with more Wild Surges than a person could ever reasonably need, and then some. Created and organized over a period of several years, this list hopes to provide sufficient chaos to support any campaign lucky or unfortunate enough to include Wild Mages. But enough chatter…Let’s get to business! Just the FAQ’s: Why do Wild Surges happen? Some would suggest that casting a spell is analogous to going to a faucet for a drink of water. A conventional mage is like a normal person. He holds his glass beneath the spigot, turns on the tap, fills his glass to the desired level, and turns off the tap. Simple, efficient, and orderly. However, the wild mage doesn’t work that way. Instead, he smashes the spigot with a hammer, tries to catch as much water as he wants in his glass, and then tries to reseal the ruptured faucet. Complicated, inefficient, and chaotic. And very likely to get the wild mage soaked in the process. So it is with magic. Instead of opening a precise channel for magical energy, the wild mage tears a gaping hole in reality and hopes to get a particular effect. If he can reseal the hole, great. If not, the result is a Wild Surge. What happened to the spell I tried to cast? Generally, the spell that causes a Surge functions normally unless the Surge cancels or negates the spell’s effect. In all cases, the Surge should be considered more powerful than the spell, so that if an effect is generated in opposition to the intended spell, the Surge takes priority. Does the Reckless Dweomer still work? Yes, but it needs to be altered if it's to function with a list of this size. As it stands, the spell calls for a 1d100 roll, added to the caster's level, to produce a (one hopes) beneficial surge result. I would propose instead that the caster has a 10% chance per level, minus 5% per spell level, of controlling the Reckless Dweomer and creating the desired effect. That way, there remains the possibility of controlling the surge, but randomness still plays a sizable role. Can conventional mages cause Wild Surges? Sure! In addition to Wild Magic regions, normal mages can cause Surges if they are disrupted during the casting of a normal spell. Though unlikely at low levels, higher-power spells can wreak havoc if not properly cast. To represent this, consider that a miscast spell has a percent chance equal to the square of one plus its level to cause a Surge. That is, a 1st level spell has a 4%(1+1)² chance, but a 9th level spell has a 100%(9+1)² chance. This can be modified by the mage’s level or some similar value, as determined by the DM. What can I do ifI’m hit by a Surge? Most surges can be reversed, so that a wild mage doesn’t necessarily have to destroy himself with a miscast Read Magic. In many cases, Remove Curse or Dispel Magic is sufficient to negate the effect, although Limited Wish or Wish might be required in more extreme cases. If the result of a Surge closely resembles an existing magical item or spell, then the same treatment which would undo the item or spell should likewise be effective in getting rid of the Surge result. When attempting to Dispel a result, the Surge should be regarded as magic cast at at least twice the wild mage’s level. Do I get a Saving Throw? This is up to the DM, but I’d suggest against it for the most part. Unless the effect or the player’s resultant griping will fatally disrupt the campaign, let the chips fall where they may. Most Surges are, after all, reversible, so even the most cantankerous player could be soothed by an interesting quest to remove the Surge’s effect. Comparatively few Surges cause instant death, so there is little to fear except inconvenience. If someone is expressly protected against an effect, like bursting into flame, then the Surge can be considered negated. Some of these are cool, but some are just downright silly. What gives? The Surges are des

FAQs

Why do Wild Surges happen?

Wild Mages tear a hole in reality instead of opening a precise channel for magical energy. If the hole can’t be resealed, the result is a Wild Surge.

What happens to the spell I tried to cast?

The surge-causing spell functions normally unless the surge cancels or negates the intended effect. In any conflict, the surge is treated as more powerful and takes priority.

How can Reckless Dweomer be controlled (or altered) for this list?

It can be altered from a 1d100 roll plus caster level to a level-based chance: a 10% chance per level, minus 5% per spell level, to control the surge and generate the desired effect.

Oct 5, 2026

Upload by Asher